Question


Which shloka or scripture states that there are 33 crores of Hindu gods?

Answer


Is it accurate to state that: "No, Hindu scriptures do not mention anywhere that there are 33 कोटि (crores) देवी देवता (devi-devata)"

No, it is not accurate to state it because of the fact that there are thirty three crores of devi-devata.

Some slokhas in Skanda Purana are explicitly saying the fact that there are thirty three crores of devi-devata. I presented below four slokhas, out of which three (II, III, IV) states that there are thirty three crore number of devas and one (I) stating that there are thirty three crore number of goddesses.

I

If people bow down and worship this goddess with devotion, it is the same as though she has been worshipped along with thirty-three crores of goddesses.

[48, CHAPTER FORTYSEVEN: Installation of Goddesses at Bahudaka Tirtha, Section II: Kaumarikakhanda, Book I: Mahesvarakhanda, Skanda Purana]

II

Then thirty-three crores of Devas emanating from the rays of the flames of Sambhu in the fiery form came forth.

[7, CHAPTER SIX: Description of Various Holy Places at Arunacala, Section II: Arunacalamahatamya, Book I: Mahesvarakhanda, Skanda Purana]

III

The Devas were thirty-three crores in number; the Ganas were one crore and two hundred thousand; there were nine crores of Camundas and one crore Bhairavis.

[99, CHAPTER SIXTYTWO: Manifestation of the Bull-emblemed Lord, SECTION II: UTTARARDHA, BOOK IV: KASI-KHANDA, SKANDA-PURANA]

IV

There are thirty-three crores of Devas stationed in heaven. All of them came there and celebrated that auspicious rite for him.

[26, CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED FORTYTWO: Greatness of the Trio of Ganapatis, Book VI: Nagara Khanda, Skanda Purana]


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